Runcorn chase promotion points in Staffordshire
Picture by Peter Gallagher-Headley
Kidsgrove v Runcorn Linnets
Saturday, April 11th 2026, ko 3pm
Pitching In Northern Premier League West
Fitzjohn Stadium, Hollinwood Road, Kidsgrove, Staffordshire ST7 1DQ
Preview
It's getting to crunch time in the Pitching In Northern Premier League West promotion race.
Linnets go to Kidsgrove knowing a win would take us to the brink of the play-offs at least - and perhaps even over the line.
But we certainly won't underestimate the challenge.
Kidsgrove have a good home record overall and have claimed four points from the their last two at Saturday's venue - both against top-five sides.
Runcorn took a win and a draw over the Easter period althoigh not at our best. Manager Michael Ellison has stressed that at this crucial stage, on hard pitches, it is about results rather than performances.
Those attending Saturday's game will see an ongoing transformation of an already attractive ground.
Work is underway on new dressing rooms, sponsors viewing area and other facilities.
This is the first of two successive visits to Staffordshire as we will complete the regular league season at Newcastle Town.
Previous visits
The trip to Kidsgrove is one to which Linnets fans look forward because of the good vibe between the fans.
But Fitzjohn Stadium hasn't always been a happy hunting ground results wise.
Linnets were beaten 5-0 on our first visit in 2018-2019, largely thanks to a hat-trick by the highly-rated Anthony Malbon.
We conceded another three goals without reply in 2023-24.
There have been some joy, however with those losses being offset by successive single-goal wins in 2021-22 and 2022-23 with Ryan Brooke and Lewis Doyle, respectively, on target.
Both players have reached 200 club appearances in recent weeks, Brookey achieving the feat last time out in Easter Monday's 1-1 home draw with Bootle.
Our fifth visit to Kidsgrove last season ended with honours even. Jimmy Garlick put The Grove ahead on the half-hour mark with Naim Arsan equalising four minutes later.
Picture by Peter Gallagher-Headley
Form guide
After a bright start to the season, Kidsgrove's campaign has been on a mostly downward spiral and they slipped as low as 17th in the table.
However, they have stabilised their position and spent recent weeks in 15th place.
With 46 points, they are nine clear of relegation and all but mathematically safe.
Their last two home performances should fire a warning to Linnets - Kidsgrove having thwarted two of our fellow promotion hopefuls by defeating Avro and taking points off Lower Breck.
They have the seventh best home record in the division with 10 league wins, three draws and six defeats.
With 13 points from our last six games, Linnets are third in NPL West's form table.
We are behind Stalybridge Celtic, who have taken a maximum 18, while league leaders Bury have also scored 13 points but have bettered us on goal difference.
With 32 points from 19 matches, our away form is the seventh best in the division.
We have had nine wins, five draws and five defeats.
Our 73-points total is already our highest as a Step-4 side and we could reach 82.
The point taken against Bootle took us beyond the 72 gained in our first season at this level in 2018-19, when we finished sixth under Ello.
However, our first four completed seasons comprised 38 games and it was only in the fifth, last season, that this increased to 42 matches.
A 61-point haul saw us finish in our lowest NPL position of 11th.
How to get there
By car - Exit M6 junction 16 Take A500 Stoke on Trent. Take 2nd Exit on A500, at top of slip Road take 1st exit, proceed over mini roundabout A34 (Talke Rd). Take right lane to turn right at traffic lights (Costa coffee on right) on to Congleton Road. At traffic lights
turn right (Co-Op on right) Proceed down slight incline, take 2nd right into Lower Ash Road, then 3rd left (before fire station) into
Hollinwood Road.
By train - journeys from Runcorn will involve changing at Crewe. Kidsgrove Railway Station is approximately a one-mile walk from the ground.
From the station car park, walk up Meadows Road to the junction with the Avenue (post office on left, library on right). Turn right and continue past the Job Centre (on the right), St Thomas' Church and Memorial Gardens. After a sharp right bend, proceed along First Avenue and take the second left into Lower Ash Road and then third left into Hollinwood Road.
Car parking
Parking is limited inside the stadium, but on-street parking is available around the ground. Please avoid blocking driveways or pavements.
Admission
Adults: £10. Concessions: £6. 12-16 Year Olds £4. Under 12s: Free.
Picture by Peter Gallagher-Headley